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Special thanks to our MAIN HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR sponsors: Claudio’s and Eastern Tire. See the full list on our Spooktacular Event Page
Meet the G-16 Suburban
The miniature train with big-league engineering — built for fun, designed with the precision of real railroads.
Overview at a Glance
The Greenport Express is powered by a G-16 “Suburban,” a ride-on miniature train built in the postwar years by the Miniature Train Company of Rensselaer, Indiana. Unlike toy trains, the G-16 is a true scale model of a diesel locomotive — complete with steel construction, air brakes on every wheel, and automotive-grade engineering that made it rugged enough to serve parks and museums nationwide. Read about the history of the train on our history page.
Feature
Specification
Builder
Miniature Train Company (MTC), Rensselaer, Indiana
Model
G-16 “Suburban”
Gauge
16-inch track (30" overall width)
Train Set
Engine + 3 coaches
Capacity
~48 passengers (12–16 per car)
Years Built
1940s–1950s
Construction
All-welded steel with automotive components
The Locomotive
The G-16 locomotive is the crown jewel of the set.
Dimensions
~16 feet long, ~3,000 lbs
Engine
Wisconsin VH4, 4-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine, ~25 horsepower
Transmission
3-speed automotive-style with fluid drive clutch
Power Transfer
Driveshafts to both trucks, eliminating chains and belts
Brakes
Full air brakes on every wheel
Suspension
Timken roller bearings, automotive coil springs
Control Panel
Authentic automotive gauges, throttle, and braking controls
Details
Working ladders, safety handrails, and miniature cab doors for maintenance access
Fun Fact: The train was built so well, the Miniature Train Company claimed it was the "safest miniature train made"
Fun Fact: The fluid drive clutch was so smooth that Miniature Train Company ads bragged “so simple, a child could operate it.”
The Coaches
Each Suburban train included three passenger cars, built to the same exacting standards as the locomotive.
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Length:
~14 feet per car
Construction:
All-steel frames with reinforced trucks
Capacity:
12–16 riders per car, depending on seating configuration
Seating:
~Wooden benches, open-sided for maximum visibility
Ride:
Cushioned suspension with air brakes for a smooth, safe journey
Design Details:
Safety handrails, riveted sides, and windows echoing mid-century design
How It Works
Think of the G-16 as a shrunken-down diesel locomotive, built with the same engineering logic:
01
Engine Power
A Wisconsin VH4 gasoline engine generates ~25 hp.
02
Fluid Drive Clutch
Smoothly transfers power to the transmission, avoiding jerky starts.
03
Transmission
Automotive-style gearbox with forward and reverse.
04
Driveshafts
Power is sent to the wheel trucks, eliminating chains.
05
Trucks & Wheels
Exact reproductions of full-size rail trucks with roller bearings.
06
Air Brakes
Each wheel is air-braked, just like the real railroads.
Did You Know? Most amusement park trains of the era relied on chain drive — the G-16’s use of automotive shafts and universal joints gave it unmatched reliability.
Inside the Engine (For Gearheads)
The Greenport Express locomotive is powered by a Wisconsin VH4, one of the most rugged small industrial engines of its time.
✔️ Type: 4-cylinder, air-cooled, gasoline
✔️ Horsepower: ~25 hp at 1,800 RPM
✔️ Firing Order: 1-3-4-2
✔️ Ignition: Magneto or optional distributor-battery ignition
✔️ Carburetion: Fixed-jet carburetor with manual choke
✔️ Lubrication: Bypass oil filter and oil-bath air cleaner
✔️ Cooling: Air shrouding and flywheel fan
✔️ Starting: Hand crank standard, electric starter optional
Fun Fact: The same VH4 engine design was used in military generators and heavy-duty equipment well into the 1960s.
Dimensions & Comparisons
Locomotive length: ~16 ft
Each coach: ~14 ft
Train length (engine + 3 cars): ~58 ft
Passenger capacity: ~48 people
Weight: several tons total
History & Heritage
The G-16 series was one of the Miniature Train Company’s most successful models. Hundreds were sold to parks, zoos, and civic attractions across the U.S. The Greenport Express train continues that tradition, offering families the chance to ride a piece of railroad history.
Preservation & Restoration
The Greenport Express is carefully maintained with the help of local volunteers. Restoration involved sourcing parts for the Wisconsin VH4 engine, refurbishing steel coaches, and keeping the air brake system in top condition.
Did You Know? Many G-16 parts were built to automotive standards, which means restorers can sometimes substitute car parts from the 1950s to keep these trains running.
For Kids: Engineer for a Day!
Guess the Part
Interactive click-and-learn game using engine diagrams
Fun Fact Quiz
“How heavy do you think this train is?”
Callout
Every great railroad engineer starts with curiosity — step aboard and see what made this train go!”
